Jeffrey W. Coleman is a trial attorney who has been involved in numerous large complex construction cases. Major cases include the Soaring Eagle Casino (successful defense of architect in a $300 million claim in a 105-day arbitration), the Notre Dame Stadium (defense of engineer and architect in a $20 million claim arising out of a concrete topping slab and other concrete issues) and, most recently, a complete defense verdict in favor of his client (the structural engineer) in a $2.5 million claim arising out of the design and construction of the concrete tanks in the Duluth Aquarium. He also was involved in multi-million dollar claims involving three cable stayed bridges in Virginia, Ohio and Alabama.

Mr. Coleman provides advice and counsel to numerous companies, including owners who are involved in the design and construction process. While he has been involved in major cases, a majority of his practice involves advising clients on contracts, contract negotiation, claims avoidance and early resolution of potential claims. Mr. Coleman practiced as a Structural Engineer from 1977 to 1982 and is still a Licensed Engineer in Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

He frequently advises concrete suppliers and companies involved in concrete construction. He is the author of the Book Legal Issues in Concrete Construction  published by the American Concrete Institute in 2004. He is the only attorney who is also a Fellow in the American Concrete Institute and is chairman of ACI committee RCC (Responsibility in Concrete Construction).

In the mid-eighties, Mr. Coleman was general counsel for a national Architectural and Engineering Company. As part of the firm’s risk management program, he incorporated a captive insurance company. He later placed excess coverage with Lloyds and other London insurance markets. He started an aggressive quality control program as well as internal claims reporting and claims management programs. Twenty five years later that basic program was still operating and insured in the London market.  He has subsequently incorporated other captive insurance companies for his clients and has assisted clients in adopting similar claims reporting and claims management systems. He has continued his work with London and captive insurers where he  manages claims for self-insured programs as well as for Lloyds and other London based carriers.

Mr. Coleman serves both as a mediator and an arbitrator with the American Arbitration Association. He also frequently represents clients in mediation and arbitration hearings

Client Services:
Construction Law
Mediation
Arbitration

Admitted to Practice:
Minnesota
United States Court of Appeals for Eighth Circuit
United States District Court for District of Minnesota

Certifications:
Licensed Professional Engineer, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin
Completed American Arbitration Association Training Courses – Arbitrator I and Arbitrator II

Professional Activities:
Member, Minnesota State Bar Association
Member and Fellow, American Concrete Institute
Sustaining Member, American Society of Concrete Contractors
Arbitrator, American Architects Association
Member, American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC)
Board Member, Minnesota Society of Professional Engineers (MSPE)
Member, International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC)
Member, Professional Liability Underwriters Society (PLUS)

Representative Cases:

• Lake Superior Center Authority, et al. v. Hammel Green & Abrahamson, Inc., et al. (Minn. Ct. App. 2006)
• NSPEA v. State of MN. et al. No. C0-02-895, C8-02-918, C3-02-986 (Minn. Ct. App. 2003) (unpublished)
• Yasis v. City of St. Paul (unpublished)

Publications and Presentations:
Author, Legal Issues in Concrete Construction (2004), American Concrete Institute, Library of Congress Catalog No. 2004100699

Jeffrey W. Coleman, A Critical Examination of Minnesota’s Treatment of the Economic Loss Doctrine in Construction Cases – Is Contract Law “Drowning in a Sea of Tort”?, 34 Wm. Mitchell L. Rev. 109 (2007). 

Community Activities:

• Board of Directors, Northern Star Council, Boy Scouts of America

Awards and Recognition:

• On May 14, 2009, at its annual banquet, the American Council of Engineering Companies of Minnesota awarded Jeff the “Tom Roche Motivation Award” “In recognition of outstanding service to consulting engineers” and for his career achievement in promoting problem solving within the consulting engineer industry.  Jeff’s recognition is exemplified on the “Roche Trophy” that is engraved with the names of all past recipients of the award.

• Repeatedly recognized as a “Super Lawyer” by the Minnesota Law & Politics magazine in its annual survey as one of the top 4.5% of Minnesota attorneys

• Consistently achieved the highest rankings (AV rating) by the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory

Undergraduate:
B.S., Iowa State University, 1976
M.S., Iowa State University, 1977

Law School:
Juris Doctorate, cum laude, William Mitchell School of Law, 1984